The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Rural Prosperity announced $509,200 in the 4 round of the Rural Readiness Grant Program to support infrastructure, housing, and workforce growth in rural communities. "This funding helps level the playing field for rural communities, giving them the tools they need to compete for economic opportunities just as strongly as larger urban areas," said LEO Director Susan Corbin, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
The grants will support local initiatives such as GST Michigan Works! in the Thumb Region, which will strengthen workforce readiness and youth career pathways, and Networks Northwest, which trains high schoolers for leadership roles on local government boards. These efforts aim to address specific local needs, from workforce development to infrastructure and housing improvements, as reported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
The Keweenaw partners used a $50,000 grant after the 2018 floods for economic development and community improvements. Other recipients include the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, converting a nursing home into housing; the Midland Business Alliance Foundation, creating a digital housing inventory; Gogebic Community College, developing a business growth plan; Eagle Harbor Township, refining development strategies; Huron County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, conducting a Housing Readiness Study; Saugatuck Township, improving pedestrian infrastructure; Grow Benzie, providing grant-writing training; Edwardsburg, enhancing grant capacity; and the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Corporation, focusing on capacity building. More information is at Michigan.gov/ORP, as stated by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
